THIS IS… MID-CENTURY MODERN

JENNA MARTIN

Emerging in the mid-20th century, this design movement continues to inspire and excite renovators, interior designers and architecture geeks to to this day.

Timeless, beautiful and functional, Mid-century Modern design is characterised by clean lines, organic forms and functionality. An enduring symbol of quiet elegance and sophistication, Mid-century Modern is also characterised by its seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.

In fact, because the Mid-century Modern movement has so infiltrated the way we think about furniture, design and the way we live, chances are your home is filled with Mid-century elements and you don’t even realise it. But if you are in love with the aesthetic and want to maximise the look at your place, here is what you need to know.

Simplicity Is Key

A far cry from the more ostentatious design movements that preceded it - like Art Deco and Hollywood Regency - Mid-century modern was all about no-frills beauty and function over form. Midcentury Modern furniture is designed to focus on ergonomics and comfort. Chairs feature organic shapes that conform to the contours of the body, while tables and cabinets are often multi purpose, with built in shelving or hidden compartments, making efficient use of space. But being simple and functional doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty.

In Mid-century Modern design, clean lines and geometric shapes take centre stage, creating harmony and balance. Furniture pieces are sleek and streamlined, with tapered legs and smooth surfaces. The result is a space that feels perfectly curated yet immensely functional. Each piece of furniture is designed so it could stand alone as a feature piece, but combined, brings a room to life with simple sophistication and harmony.

MID-CENTURY, NATURALLY

Natural materials are a huge part of Mid-century Modern design. Wood - especially teak, which was rich in colour and super durable - was used for furniture, flooring and paneling. The warm tones and rich textures of these materials add depth and warm to the space, while other natural elements like stone, brick and leather help to create a tactile and organic feel.

Other huge Mid-century modern elements include metal, glass and vinyl, often used together to create geometric shapes that feel curvy and clean. The famous Eames chair (created in 1956) is a hallmark of the look and the era, but it’s one that is full of statement pieces that have stood the test of time, like the egg chair and the tulip table.

A Blueprint For Modern Living

Today, most homes strive to incorporate a layout that promotes an integration of indoor and outdoor space, reflecting the way we live: open plan, family friendly and relaxed. But these ideas all sprung from Mid-century Modern design, which was the first to embrace an open and airy layout where rooms aren’t divided by walls, but by strategic furniture placement. Large windows and sliding glass doors are often used to let the outside in and blur the boundaries between the interior and the surrounding environment. It doesn’t just make a home more functional, it also creates an abundance of natural light, creating an atmosphere that is bright, warm and inviting.

Colour Is King

Bold and vibrant colours are a huge feature of Midcentury modern design. While it’s true that wood tones and neutrals like white, gray and beige are the backdrop colours of the movement, they’re frequently juxtaposed with bright splashes of colours like poppy red, mustard yellow and avocado green. These pops of colour infuse energy and character into the space, making the overall design more dynamic, interesting and more playful. Oftentimes colour is integrated through accessories like abstract art, geometric patterns and bold textiles or sculptural lamps that inject personality and create focal points within the room.

Whether you’re keen to recreate the classic Midcentury Modern look or simply incorporate elements of it into a contemporary setting, these key design features are a great foundation.